Some Properties of Penetrating Cosmic-Ray Showers and Star Phenomena seen in the Cloud Chamber

Abstract

Cloud-chamber photographs of cosmic-ray showers containing penetrating particles have been obtained at sea level. The spectrum of the penetrating particles has been measured and a study made of the interaction of the energetic particles in lead and in the gas of the cloud chamber. Conclusions about the nature of the penetrating particles are discussed; these show that about half the penetrating particles are protons and the remainder are probably π-mesons and mesons of heavier mass. Three heavy particles produced in stars are probably τ-mesons.